Barred rock chick may be suffering from feather picking issues? Help!

[Gracelikekiwi]

We recently introduced a month-old silkie to keep our barred rock chick company, at the start, there was some pecking but then they got along very well, going everywhere with each other and sleeping together. Only thing is the younger barred rock keeps taking food and running around as if expecting it to be taken away, even if there is plenty. Recently I have noticed that our barred rock has got a patch of feathers missing from the lower neck to under the wings and it’s concerning as it is possible to see veins. Is this molting? Or feather picking? If it’s feather picking I’m not sure why because the chicks seem to get along fine.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Have you looked them both over really well for lice and mites?

The chick still has a lot of down, so it's not unusual to see the skin and veins.

Chicks play with food, the taking of food and running with it is a playful behavior. She wants the Silkie to chase her playing "keep away".